The Gift of Prayer - Your Daily Forward Devotional

The Gift of Prayer

May 1, 2020




Read Philippians 1:12-30.

When I eat out, I ask the server how I can pray for them. I tell them, “I’m going to thank God for my food, so if you would like me to pray for you, I’m happy to. Just let me know how I can pray.”

I did this recently after the server shared how stressed she was about her future. She didn’t leave as we prayed. She stayed me as I prayed. She looked up and said, “Thank you! No one has ever prayed for me like that. They say they will, but you know…who knows if they did.”

You see, our prayers offer great encouragement to those in times of fear and doubt.

The Apostle Paul said so. Look at Philippians 1:18-19: “Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.”

 Paul was no wimp of the faith, yet he benefitted greatly from the encouragement of prayer. He knew as we know today that the prayers of a righteous person accomplish a lot. When someone is in trouble, or in fear doubt, the first thing we should offer them is prayer.

Prayer is the ultimate encouragement because it goes to the one who cares and can help.


Reflect

Why is prayer important? What difference does prayer make? How does prayer encourage others?